The Heritage Tree program selects one city in each of Ohio’s 88 counties selected to receive a native white oak tree in celebration of the United State seminquincentenial, with Salem selected as the recipient for Columbiana County.

The tree, a white swamp oak, was planted at Centennial Park. The ceremony featured a musical prelude by Katherine O’Neil, and invocation by Salem First Friends Church Youth Pastor Sarah Hodgson, the presentation of colors and pledge to the flag led by Emmanual Lutheran Church Boy Scouts Troop Six, a welcome by America 250 Salem Ohio Liaison and City Councilwoman Sara Baer, keynote remarks by Parks Director Kelli Pastore, and poetry readings by Salem students. The dedication was offered by America 250-Ohio Ambassador Michael Brennan.

“When we plant a white oak, we plant a living legacy. A tree that will stand the test of time while supporting incredible biodiversity. Its acorns feed wildlife, its leaves nourish insects and caterpillars will in turn feed songbirds,” Brennan said. “It is not unusual for white oaks to live 250 to 300 years, with some specimens living up to 550 years. This white oak tree that we have planted here in Columbiana County may one day be as old, or even older, than the democratic republic whose birthday we celebrate this year.”

Baer and Brennan said that the white oak was selected to represent Ohio’s heritage trees due to their ability to grow in many types of soil, and resist most arboreal diseases, with many species of white oak being native to the state allowing specific species to be selected based on that county’s climate. Baer said that the tree would stand as a living monument to Salem’s commitment to investing in its future and that its location within the park would benefit future generations of Salem residents and visitors.

(Photo by Morgan Ahart)

“Trees are living histories and planting our tree here today is a way to remember Ohio’s past, create the present, and guide our environmental future. It is our hope that the tree we dedicate today will live on for generations to come. Thank you for taking the time on this Juneteenth to celebrate our family tree together,” Baer said.

Brennan said that it was an honor to be in attendance for Friday’s ceremony and thanked all of Salem and Columbiana County’s elected officials that helped make the day a reality, as well as the guests in attendance. Brennan said that the Heritage Tree Project had planted 25 trees last year, and that Columbiana County was one of 28 counties set to receive a tree this Spring, with the rest still to come in Fall.

“It is only fitting that the Columbiana County heritage tree be planted here in Salem. Salem has been recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA for 43 years, demonstrating Salem’s long-standing commitment to urban forestry. As Councilwoman Baer reflected, trees are living history and plating a tree is a way to honor Ohio’s past, shape the present, and establish our environmental future,” Brennan said.

Pastore said that the heritage trees not only “honor Ohio’s role in the nation’s founding” but “serve as living monuments, symbolizing the strength and resilience of our shared history.” She said that in addition to their hardy nature and long lividness, white oak trees are “known for their ecological value, supporting complex wildlife and improving air and water quality.”

“As they grow, these trees will strand as a testament to Ohio’s commitment to conservation and remembrance,” Pastore said.

Shown is America 250 Salem Ohio Liaison and City Councilwoman Sara Baer. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Pastore also said that the heritage trees encourage “communities to reflect on their historical roots and their role in shaping the nation’s future.” She said that in that pursuit America 250-Ohio was partnering with digital storytelling platform MemoryFox to collect and digitally archive community narratives and encouraged attendees to use the platform to share a their “personal experiences, historical insights, and reflections on the significance” of the ceremony.

Shown is Parks Director Kelli Pastore. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Shown from left are Eli Hall, Noah Kotell, Piper Hall, Emmanual Lutheran Church Troop Six Committee Chairman Bob Burkey, and Jen Hall. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Mara Miller recites an original poem. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Eva Rand reads remarks from class of 2026 President Ben Wolford reflecting on the lasting impact of every decision made in a community on future generations. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Shown from left are Mayor Cyndi Baronzzi Dickey, Parks Commission President John Panezott, City Councilman Ron Zellers, Parks Director Kelli Pastore, America 250-Ohio Ambassador Michael Brennan, and America 250 Salem Ohio Liaison and City Councilwoman Sara Baer. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)